Disney World to Shut Down 'Main Street USA' for Obama Speech on Tourism

Disney representatives told News13 that the Magic Kingdom will host President Obama when he unveils his tourism "strategy" right from the park's very own "Main Street USA." The Disney Main Street will remain closed, with guests being re-routed to other parts of the theme park, for the entire duration of Obama's visit.

Disney said it will also cancel extra magic hours for the Magic Kingdom and postpone the "Celebrate a Dream Come True" parade in anticipation of the event. Employees will be prohibited from using their passes to gain access to Magic Kingdom while Obama is present.

A White House official said:

On Thursday, the President will travel to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where he’ll unveil a strategy that will significantly help boost tourism and travel, an important sector in the U.S. economy. The action will be taken as part of the President’s “We Can’t Wait” agenda of executive actions that will aid job growth and don’t require congressional approval.

The speech comes on the heels of a recent push by members of the tourism industry to implement easier travel visa standards for tourists from Brazil, China and India. Some suggest this might be one part of Obama's announcement.

News13 reports that the president's last visit to Orlando was in October for a fundraiser.

Meanwhile, parents who have been planning well in advance a vacation with their children to visit Magic Kingdom and Main Street will likely not be pleased to find out they are barred from those areas.

(h/t: Weasel Zippers)